Genlisea: A carnivorous plant acting as a trap for Protozoa

Wilhelm BARTHLOTT, Stefan POREMBSKI, Eberhard FISCHER & Björn
GEMMEL:
Leaves of puzzling plant trap protozoan prey. - Nature,
2. April 1998Carnivorous plants have attracted the attention of scientists since
Charles Darwin's fundamental book "Insectivorous Plants" in 1875. But only
now, we could proof that Genlisea is definitely carnivorous. The
uniqueness of this finding in the plant kingdom is twofold: Genlisea
specializes in protozoa and, secondly, its prey is attracted chemically.

For detailed information please look into NATURE. But here are
seven illustrations of this remarkable plant:

4. Total plant of Genlisea margaretae from Madagascar with a
small rosette of green leaves and a large bundle of roots-like subterranean
leaves acting as traps. Scale in centimeters. - Foto: W. Barthlott

5. View of a trap of Genlisea margaretae with rows of
hairs preventing the prey to escape. - SEM micrograph Barthlott et al.

6. Inside of a trap of Genlisea margaretae with rows of hairs
preventing the prey to escape. - SEM micrograph Barthlott et al.